End of school, part 1: Field Day, circa 2017

My fondest memories from elementary school had little to do with reading, writing and arithmetic. I remember Field Day being this time of year – often on Flag Day (which we celebrated with pride last Wednesday!) – and getting to be outside in the sun all day as opposed to inside a sweaty and warm classroom. There was also a big tug of war – usually between fourth grade and fifth grade? -- during Field Day.

So whenever we’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at our kids’ Field Day, we always jumped at the chance. This year, with our youngest son James in fifth grade, represented the last Field Day we would be able to be part of. Last Thursday was a warmish day with no rain – this spring has seemed quite rainy, hasn’t it? – so that was good. Until the Responsible Adults of the School started scurrying around with a sense of urgency, walkie talkies in hand. Everybody inside. Doors shut and locked. Windows shut and locked. Field Day is over. Apparently, there was “police activity” in the woods adjacent to the school, something about a domestic disturbance and a person of interest fleeing on foot. Kids and parents inside, doors and windows locked.

It’s 2017. Our kids are used to this stuff, aren’t they? Well. They are! I swear, it seemed the adults were more agitated than the kids. The kids moved steadily to their classrooms, as instructed, as they practice in various drills throughout the school year. The principal praised their behavior, as well she should, but again this is their world, our world. In 2017, a few minutes of outside fun getting preempted for a real-life drill will have to do for Field Day.